It can be difficult to keep the kids entertained over the holidays. Reading is the perfect antidote to boredom: take a book to the park or the beach, read huddled under a blanket on a rainy day, pack an e-reader in a suitcase. There a million different worlds to be explored: you can meet a new set of characters and be in a different location every day. Here are 10 essential novels that your kids should have on their bookshelves to stave off the boredom during the summer.

Goodnight Mister Tom - Michelle Magorian

This truly wonderful novel charts the arrival of wartime evacuee Willie Beech on the doorstep of gruff widower, Tom Oakley. Anxious, unable to read or write and painfully thin, Willie at first lives in fear of his carer. Their relationship blossoms in to true friendship, and unconditional love.

Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

The March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy - face an austere Christmas as their father is away fighting during the Civil War. The girls learn the true value of sisterhood and family, as they make mistakes, fall sick, face disappoint and get in to mischief. Alcott’s novel is a much-loved classic, with values that hold true to this day.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas - John Boyne

An extremely well-written and unflinching account of life in a concentration camp. From one perspective, there is Shmuel, the boy behind the barbed wire fence. On the other side, there is Bruno, living in a fancy villa on the edge of the camp. Their friendship transcends the war going on around them - but will it survive?

Harry Potter series - J.K. Rowling

One of the most famous series of books of all time, J.K. Rowling’s collection of seven novels charts the life of the titular hero as enters Hogwarts School of Wizardry. Along with best friends Hermione and Ron, Potter comes across some truly forceful nemesis and some equally loyal friends. The books are touching, humorous, dark and magical.

Millons - Frank Cottrell Boyce

Two incredibly unlikely train robbers - young brothers Damian and Anthony - find themselves accidentally caught up in a heist while Britain counts down to joining the Euro. With millions of pounds in their pockets - how can the boys spend it in just a few days before the currency becomes worthless? A truly funny and uplifting story.

Coram Boy - Jamila Gavin

Aaron is a promising musician, with no idea that he has escaped the evil clutches of the murderous Coram Man. His life takes a dangerous turn when he and best friend Toby are unwittingly put in to the path of the Coram Man once more. A compelling and dark story full of twists and shocks.

War Horse - Michael Morpugo

In the deafening and deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the horrors of combat from both sides of the trenches. This horse has seen humanity at it’s worst and it’s best; the consequences of war, both good and bad. This truly touching tale is a great way of introducing readers to history from a unique perspective.

I Am David - Ann Holm

Charting the miraculous escape of the titular hero from a concentration camp, Ann Holm’s novel is an amazing testament to the power of determination. Alone in the middle of war-torn Europe, how can David survive? He must learn to fend for himself in a world that is full of uncertainties and prejudices.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis

Four adventure-hungry siblings travel through a wardrobe door in to the mysterious land of Narnia. Frozen in time and enslaved by the White Witch, it seems a desolate and hopeless place. But the return of the lion, Aslan, ensures that a great change is on the way. This is another children’s classic that has been on bookshelves for over 60 years.

The Nowhere Emporium - Ross MacKenzie

When the mysterious Nowhere Emporium arrives in Glasgow, orphan Daniel Holmes discovers it entirely by accident. Very soon, Daniel finds himself engulfed in a world of breath-taking magic and enchantment, with the Emporium’s owner, Mr. Silver, acting as his guide. Winner of the Scottish Children’s Book Award 2016.